Valley River Arts Guild at the MAC, Murphy Art Center
  • ~ About Us ~
  • ~ Adult Classes ~
  • ~ Youth Classes ~
  • ~ Murphy Art Walk ~
  • ~ The Murphy Art Xplosion ~
  • ~ Meet Our Members ~
  • ~ SMArt Tour: Smoky Mountain Art Studio Tour ~
  • ~ Legacy Support: Living and Lasting ~
  • ~ Our Impact in the Community ~

Meet Our Members
Click each artist's image below to go to their individual page for more info and samples of their artwork


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John Gibney - Jewelry Artist

Born in Tampa, FL. Loves to Be Creative: previously made high-fired porcelain pottery; at the current time, uses the skills of lapidary and silverwork to transform natural stones and sterling silver into bracelets, rings, pendants, necklaces, boxes, earrings and something new every week.      more>>


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Kimberley Packard - Fiber Artist, Photographer, MAC instructor and Guild Membership Chairman

My name is Kimberley Packard and I am KC Creations' owner and maker. This business originally started as a small hobby in my hometown of Naples in Southwest Florida. I would crochet blankets for family members and friends and give them as gifts on special occasions. Over time, I would receive special requests for custom blankets and it was then that I decided to grow my hobby into a small, local business.      more>>


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Sheryl Bessette - Watercolor Painter and MAC Art Instructor

I have always been intrigued by the softness exhibited in a watercolor painting. This interest led me to a beginner watercolor class in 2008 and I have been enjoying this magical medium ever since. My paintings and style have become an expression of how I see God's beautiful creations whether they are the mountains, trees, flowers or animals.     more>>


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Kathleen Borchelt - Painter and Drawing Artist

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t drawing or painting. Focusing in on a degree in education, I chose art as my major. This inspired and allowed me to formally develop experience in drawing, painting, and sculpture. My love and appreciation for art continued to grow.      more>>


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Joyce Clair - Watercolor and Alcohol Ink Painter and MAC Art Instructor and Guild President

Joyce shares her enthusiasm for watercolor painting with students. Her beginner watercolor series are held at ArtWorks, Blue Ridge Art Center, and Helen Art & Heritage Center. Joyce encourages students to be bold and fearless as mistakes can usually be fixed. Joyce demonstrates tips to control watercolor but also how to allow watercolor to flow on paper for beautiful and spontaneous results.     more>>


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Jim Allsopp - Photographer and Stained Glass Artist and Education Chairman

Jim has had an interest in photography since he got his first 35 mm camera when he was in college. Originally from Chicago, Jim now enjoys hiking and exploring here in the Smoky Mountains, and he travels extensively throughout the country. Jim’s emphasis is landscapes and nature.     more>>


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Kelly Kennon - Photographer

My love of nature and wildlife is evident in my subjects I chose to photograph. I will spend hours sitting and observing wildlife to understand their behaviors. Once you learn the behaviors of the animal you want to photograph you have a much better chance of photographing them acting naturally.      more>>


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Deborah Larsen - Photographer

Deborah Larsen grew up on Long Island in New York State. She received her first camera on her 8th birthday, nearly 60 years ago. She immediately began taking photographs, and hasn’t stopped since! Deborah studied art and photography at North Country Community College in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, receiving an Associate in Arts degree.     more>>


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Debra Vanderlaan - Photographer and Digital Artist and Murphy Art Xplosion Chair and Programs Chair

My main focus is landscape photography and also vintage subjects such as old trucks, barns, and bicycles. I use interesting processes and textures in my work and clients often think my images look like paintings when seen at art fairs and shows.     more>>


Dave Vanderlaan - Photographer and Communications Chair and Audit Chair

​Dave's style is very balanced, his images portraying an amazing knack for composition. He specializes in Kaleidoscope trees as well as many vintage objects captured all over the world, from boats and canoes to old barns.

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Robert C. Karl - Writer 

I have always enjoyed writing as a hobby. Combining prose, poetic structure, images and computer calligraphy, I observe and report on various aspects of the human condition.     more>>


Brenna Richardson - Painter and Drawing Artist​

Julie Lindsay - Painter
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Rita Skabinska - Fiber Artist
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Steve Riedel - Stained Glass Artist

Jane Payne - Jewelry artist

Barbara Keyes - Painter 
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Malti Turnbull - Painter and Clay Artist

Steven Inglima - Photographer and Guild Vice President
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Carrie Keohane - Glass Artist, Photographer, and Guild Secretary

Thurman "T.W." Breedlove - Painter

Tina Fimbel - Photographer
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Marji Hill - Fabric Artist and Membership Chair

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Denise Phillips - Clay Artist

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Daniel Ferrera - Photographer

Venetia Carey - Photographer 

John Rios - Painter

David and Garett Gallus - Wood Artists
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Kathy Alpert - Mosaic Artist and Store Chair
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Melanie Kolifrath - Glass Artist

Liisa Cull - Baskets and Gourd Artist

Karen "KK" Roberts

Dava Maruska - Fabric Baskets Artist

Joshua Gaines - Painter and Wood sign artist

Alana Kolifrath - Clay Artist, Painter, and Guild director at Large
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Holly Viccaro - Painter and multi media crafts

Lisa Gadigian - Basket Artist

Michael Wolford - Custom Pens and Wood Artist

John Hoshaw - Slate and Stone Artist
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Christina Randall - Fiber Artist

Jim Clayton - Photographer

Scott Piemka - Photographer
Scott is a photographer from Chicago. He is also a Chef. He has photographed many National Parks and foreign locations with a focus on nature and landscapes in B&W as well as color. He specializes in printing on metal. Scott is retired from a family owed plumbing business. He recently worked as a chef at a resort in Alaska in order to photo Alaska for 6 months.
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Jesse Fuller - Wood and Wire with Light Artist
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Dan Miller - Painter




Valley River Arts Guild operates as a
501(c)3 non-profit arts organization
for Western North Carolina and
​North Georgia in Murphy North Carolina.
© 2022 Valley River Arts Guild, All Rights Reserved
The MAC, Murphy Art Center
™

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  • ~ About Us ~
  • ~ Adult Classes ~
  • ~ Youth Classes ~
  • ~ Murphy Art Walk ~
  • ~ The Murphy Art Xplosion ~
  • ~ Meet Our Members ~
  • ~ SMArt Tour: Smoky Mountain Art Studio Tour ~
  • ~ Legacy Support: Living and Lasting ~
  • ~ Our Impact in the Community ~